RUTHERGLEN VINTAGE BIKE RIDE 2025

The Rotary Club of Rutherglen Inc. is again organising a “Vintage Bike Ride” – the next event will be on Saturday 26th April 2025 - which provides an opportunity to visit the North-East Victoria Wine Country and support fund raising for good causes including the Australian Paralympic Cycling Team and the Country Fire Authority.

Distance – Various options – 10kms to the lunch location (Cofield Wines, Wahgunyah) and 10 kms back, but support is available if 10kms is your limit; 20-40 kms if you are happy “just rolling along” on the brand new “Rutherglen Loops” cycling trail, which connects most of the wineries in the district. Ride on the rail-trail, Loops cycle paths or gentle roads, most with very little traffic, mostly sealed.

Start / Finish – will be at the Rutherglen Convent, now converted to very desirable accommodation, 50-74 High Street Rutherglen. Relaxed and staggered start time from approximately 10am with the bike ride finishing at about 4-00pm in time for drinks and music at the Convent. Stay longer enjoying the live music and something to eat.

Includes – Prize for best “vintage” clothing, a display of Olympic and National Team bikes at the Convent, an opportunity to win some local wine at the Rutherglen Wine Bottle which celebrates its 125^th anniversary in 2025, a display of vintage bikes and a bbq lunch at Cofield Wines, Wahgunyah (wine purchases for own account), supported riding (emergency trailer, delivery of wine purchases from Cofield wines to your Rutherglen contact address), post ride refreshments and live music at the Convent. Also the chance to win fabulous raffle prizes including a modern unisex e-bike (valued at $3000), luxury accommodation in Rutherglen (valued at $300 per night) and many other prizes.

Opportunity to – have an Anzac Day long weekend in the Rutherglen wine region, join in the local Anzac Day commemorations, have a great ride and support good causes. Stay longer if you can!

All profits will be donated to charity, with the main recipients being the Australian Paralympic Cycling Team and the local Country Fire Authority.

- The price ($50 adult, $20 child under 18) includes a bbq lunch at Cofield Wines, Wahgunyah, a support wagon, route map, tourist information on the Rutherglen district, energy food bars, water, a prize for “best vintage dressed”, bicycle displays, post ride refreshments and other surprises!

- Tickets are non-refundable but transferable to other people. Bike ride conditions still apply in those circumstances.

VERY IMPORTANT – To enter the Vintage Bike Ride participants must acknowledge agreement with the terms and conditions of the ride which include disclaimers and an indemnity.  This requirement is part of Rotary’s insurance rules. When purchasing a ticket(s) participants will acknowledge that Rotary, its officers, employees and volunteers are released from liability for injury or damage incurred taking part in the bike ride. 

Tickets - will shortly be available via Ticketebo. The link for tickets will be inserted here soon.

Frank McLoughlin our 2024/25 President

Frank McLoughlin was inducted for his second term as President at the club's annual changeover dinner held at the Rutherglen High School.

Over 40 people attended the event, catered for with a three course meal by the Rutherglen High Schools Vet Hospitality students.

Frank thanked last years board for their work and introduced his new board including Peter Walker - Secretary, Kevin Kelly - Treasurer, Anita Saleeba - Programs, Colin Foster - Youth and Roberta Horne doing our publicity.